In just 14 months, the group has raised $4.3 million for the project but still needs to reach $4.7 million to begin construction, said Bill Failing, capital campaign chairman for the foundation. The group hopes to start building around September, he said.

If all goes according to the group's plan, the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation will be able to move the three historic steam locomotives donated to the city in 1958 to new digs near the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry next year. The Portland Parks and Recreation Bureau owns the trains. But the Union Pacific Railroad Company owns their current home. And the trains have to be moved from their current home because the railroad wants the space.

"Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and our strong public-private partnerships, we will soon be able to share these historic, public-owned steam locomotives in their new home right in the heart of the OMSI district," said Commissioner Nick Fish, who oversees the parks department, in a statement.